Table of contents for 2026-04-20 in Star

Prosus said on Friday it had sold a 4,5% stake in its Delivery Hero subsidiary to Uber for about €270 million (R5,4 billion), or at a 22% premium to the one-month average share price. The Amsterdam-based Naspers subsidiary said the sale price was €20 per share, as of April 16. Prosus was told to reduce its stake in Delivery Hero by the European Commission as part of Prosus’ acquisition of Just Eat Takeaway.com, for which it paid about R80bn. The transaction represents a step towards fulfilling those commitments. Prosus remains committed to selling the relevant portion of its stake in Delivery Hero within the required timeframe, a statement said. The European Commission required Prosus to reduce its 27,4% stake in Delivery Hero to a single percentage point within 12 months,…

South Africa’s economic reform agenda remains broadly on track despite rising global uncertainty, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicating that while U.S. tariffs have had a modest direct impact on African economies, broader geo-economic fragmentation poses a more significant long-term challenge. Speaking at the conclusion of the IMF 2026 Spring Meetings last week, African Department director Abebe Aemro Selassie said South Africa, like many countries in the region, is navigating a far more volatile global environment shaped by conflict, shifting trade dynamics and tightening financial conditions. Selassie noted that while U.S. tariff measures have not significantly disrupted African economies overall, structural barriers within the continent itself—particularly high intra-African tariffs and non-tariff barriers—continue to limit trade potential and economic diversification. “The environment has changed markedly,” Selassie said, pointing to the…

At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, much of the global focus has been on fragmentation — shifting alliances, disrupted trade routes and growing regional instability. Less attention has been paid to the steady deepening of economic ties between the Gulf and Africa. Recent developments suggest that the relationship is gaining weight. In January 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa travelled to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. He was accompanied by senior ministers responsible for trade, international relations, the Presidency, and justice — a delegation that reflected clear economic priorities. Addressing world leaders at the summit, Ramaphosa stated: “Infrastructure development in Africa is going to explode by leaps and bounds and on the back of energy generation…

The author argued in the market report during the beginning of March 2026 that the Iranian conflict not only intensified, but the embargo on oil tankers also moving through the Strait of Hormuz had led to the fourth black swan movement over the last five years after the sudden attack of US and Israel on Iran on the Saturday, 28 February 2026. A black swan event is an unpredictable, rare occurrence with a severe, widespread impact that is often wrongly rationalised in hindsight as having been foreseeable. As a result, over the last seven weeks the world experienced a very sharp increase in oil prices of around 70%, the loss of lives and the destruction of billions in infrastructure. Not only did equity markets over the…

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) marked a milestone in sustainable financing with the listing on Friday of Africa’s first Nature-Linked Performance-Based Bond, the R2.5 billion FirstRand Bank Cape Water Performance-Based Bond. The bond is part of a broader transaction structure that supports The Nature Conservancy (TNC) South Africa, a nonprofit organisation with established conservation programs, in delivering a project that restores priority water catchment areas by removing invasive plant species, thereby increasing water flows into storage dams. The R2.5bn issuance links part of investors’ returns to independently verified ecological restoration. It marks a big advance in the role capital markets play to support nature and water security. Bhulesh Singh, FirstRand Group Treasurer, said the innovative bond was part of the broader Cape water invasive plant removal project transaction structure. “One…

The Madlanga Commission has claimed its first arrest following weeks of investigations and testimonies at the Commission. More arrests are said to follow. Matiphandile Sotheni, was arrested in connection with the killing of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe after his testimony. In addition, a group of 12 senior SAPS officers were arrested over a corruption-linked tender highlighted during the proceedings. Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is set to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today, following his arrest on Saturday. He is charged with fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. ActionSA has stepped up its demands for Mkhwanazi’s immediate dismissal from the City of Ekurhuleni. ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo said the city can no longer afford to retain officials facing such…

South African true-crime storytelling has exploded in recent years, unpacking everything from serial killers to billion-rand financial scandals. Viewers are drawn into understanding the “why” behind the crimes. Through police investigations, court footage, interviews with victims’ families, and expert analysis, these true-crime documentaries slowly piece together puzzles that were once unsolved or misunderstood. 1. Catch Me a Killer (2024) Charlotte Hope stars in Catch Me a Killer as Micki Pistorius, South Africa’s first-ever serial-killer profiler. Adapted from Pistorius’ memoir, each episode looks at another of her cases, from the Station Strangler to the Cleveland Killer to Stewart “Boetie Boer” Wilken. Based on the real-life work of forensic psychologist Pistorius, this gripping series follows her as she tracks down some of the country’s most dangerous offenders. Where to watch: DStv Stream/…

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and the Presidency have contradicted each other over the acceptance of a new designated ambassador to the US, Roelf Meyer, as President Donald Trump continues with his claims of a “white genocide” taking place in South Africa. While President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence that the US will accept Meyer’s credentials, noting that South Africa accepted the credentials of Trump’s envoy, Leo Brent Bozell III, the process remains a point of tension. This is after Trump reiterated that a “genocide” is occurring in South Africa, claiming white people are being targeted and killed for their race. Trump made these claims during a Turning Point USA rally in Phoenix last week Friday. He described the situation as a “horrible thing”. Trump, who…

The Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg has ordered the release of confidential medical records to the legal team in the listeriosis class action following the outbreak linked to Tiger Brands Enterprise Foods facility in Polokwane in 2017. The outbreak resulted in the loss of about 218 lives, including babies. The class action, headed by prominent lawyer Richard Spoor against Tiger Brands, has been lingering for several years, with Tiger Brands presenting settlement offers to some of the affected claimants. In the latest chapter of the legal proceedings involving hundreds of people who claimed they fell ill or lost loved ones due to contaminated food, 16 claimants turned to court in a bid to obtain medical records linked to the case. The application was aimed against the National Health Laboratory Service, the…

Nine, in its prime and still going strong – this is Time Square in Pretoria which not only this month celebrated its 9th birthday, but also welcomed its new general manager, Bryan O’Connor. Ruben Gooranah, who steered the ship since 2020, is stepping down for retirement at the end of this month. With a career spanning more than two decades in the business, O’Connor has returned to Time Square, which is part of Sun International, as general manager, after two years in that role at Carnival City. Adept at leadership, gaming, and hospitality, with a strong ability to motivate and guide teams toward achieving strategic business objectives within a dynamic casino environment, O’Connor began his career as a training officer at Sugar Mill Casino in KwaZulu Natal. In 2017 he…

Revered actor and filmmaker Kumaran Naidu, known for his films Broken Promises and Run for Your Life, has died at the age of 52 following a long illness. Naidu, originally from Chatsworth in Durban, had been residing in Gauteng. In a statement, the Naidu family said his illness was “borne with courage and dignity”, a sister paper reported. “Mr Naidu was widely regarded as an iconic voice in film and television. He was the creative force behind acclaimed works including Broken Promises 1-5 and Run For Your Life, among others. His projects championed local narratives and brought Durban and South African experiences to national and international audiences. “Colleagues remember him for his creative vision, mentorship of young artists, and unwavering commitment to authentic, socially conscious storytelling ... He believed in…

Good news for South Africans who are tired of spam calls is that amended regulations have now been established which introduces a formal National Consumer Commission (NCC) opt-out registry. The Consumer Protection Act Amendment Regulations delivered the long-awaited operational framework, which administers the opt-out registry, mandating direct marketer registration and annual renewal, imposing monthly “cleansing” of marketing databases against the registry, and prohibiting marketing to consumers who have registered a pre-emptive block, with immediate effect. NCC welcomed the amendment of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), as gazetted by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, last week. The amended regulations establish the opt-out registry system while providing mechanisms for consumers to opt-out from unwanted direct marketing. The amended regulations recognise the NCC as the administrator of the system.…

The Proteas Women secured back-to-back victories against India in the second T20I of the five-match series at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon, with a batting onslaught from openers Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus laying the platform for a comfortable eight-wicket win in the 18th over. Earlier, spinner Chloe Tryon and seamer Nonkululeko Sekhukune claimed three wickets apiece as India collapsed from 78/2 to 147 all out after being asked to bat first. Wolvaardt and Luus ensured the hosts capitalised on that momentum, taking control from the outset with a dominant powerplay to lead the charge towards an eight wicket victory. Their opening stand yielded 66 runs, featuring nine boundaries and a six from Luus, as they equalled South Africa’s highest powerplay score in T20 Internationals. Wolvaardt accelerated…

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson will have a couple of tough selection decisions to make this week ahead of their final United Rugby Championship (URC) home league match against the Glasgow Warriors. After a 33–24 loss to Connacht, it’s desperation time for the Cape side as they go in search of five points to keep them in the top two on the log this weekend. There is even a chance to go top if they can prevent Glasgow from earning any points at the DHL Stadium. Given that the Lions managed that, it is something the Stormers can aim for, but with another emotional and disruptive week ahead, it could be a tough ask. The funeral of long-time team manager Chippie Solomon takes place on Tuesday, which will cost…

The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level talks in Pakistan that failed to reach a deal, Iran said it will not allow the crucial maritime trade chokepoint to re-open until the United States ends a blockade of Iranian ports. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, said in a televised address on Saturday night that there had been "progress" with Washington, "but there are many gaps and some fundamental points remain". "We are still far from the final discussion," said Ghalibaf, one of Tehran's negotiators in the talks aimed at ending the…

TPT says decision comes as rising diesel costs continue to weigh heavily on cargo handling operations There have been mixed reactions from industry stakeholders following Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) announcement that it will introduce a fuel neutrality charge at an initial rate of R52 per container from May, citing mounting fuel price pressures linked to ongoing global supply chain disruptions. TPT said the decision comes as rising diesel costs continue to weigh heavily on its cargo handling operations, which rely extensively on fuel-powered equipment. The utility confirmed on Friday that the new charge will take effect from 1 May 2026 and will be calculated based on coastal diesel index thresholds. “The fuel neutrality charge is being implemented as a transparent, cost-recovery mechanism to ensure the continued delivery of efficient, reliable,…

South African small businesses are entering 2026 with a strong emphasis on stability, resilience and digital transformation, according to the latest report by Xero. The company’s "State of South African Small Business 2026" report, based on a survey of more than 400 small businesses conducted in January, reveals that 80% of respondents experienced revenue growth over the past year, while 75% reported increased profits. Despite this positive performance, the majority of businesses are opting for a cautious approach in the year ahead. Xero said 84% of small businesses plan to prioritise steady growth and stability over aggressive expansion in 2026, reflecting a shift towards long-term sustainability amid a changing economic environment. Colin Timmis, regional director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Xero, said that South African small businesses…

An important notch in the nation’s war against corruption was scored this week with former VBS Mutual Bank (VBS) auditor, Sipho Malaba’s disbarment and R10 million fine by the Independent Regulator Board for Auditors (IRBA) for his disgraceful role in whitewashing its capture and the rampant looting of millions of Rands of workers and pensioners’ monies. IRBA’s action was long overdue. Mr. Malaba was the lead auditor employed by KPMG to audit VBS’s financial records. It is a victory for workers and pensioners who lost so much. Mr. Malaba’s role not only helped cover up and whitewash one of South Africa’s most shameful instances of fraud, corruption and theft, it enabled this to continue for several years. This criminal heist of epic proportions saw thousands of VBS clients, mostly…

National Treasury has published the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations of 2026 for public comment in Friday’s Government Gazette, a move that has been particularly welcomed by the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector. In the 2026 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that amendments to the Exchange Control Regulations would be published for public comment. The amendments would signal South Africa’s aim to modernise and adopt a “positive bias” approach to managing cross-border capital flows, through fewer transaction pre-approvals, a focus on reporting, the surveillance of high-impact and high-risk cross-border transactions, and the combating of illicit financial flows. “This shift will align South Africa with international best practice, while also managing various risks using a risk-based approach and existing macroprudential tools,” National Treasury said in a statement. It said the amendments…

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and the Presidency have contradicted each other over the acceptance of a new designated ambassador to the US, Roelf Meyer, as President Donald Trump continues with his claims of a “white genocide” taking place in South Africa. While President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence that the US will accept Meyer’s credentials, noting that South Africa accepted the credentials of Trump’s envoy, Leo Brent Bozell III, the process remains a point of tension. This is after Trump reiterated that a “genocide” is occurring in South Africa, claiming white people are being targeted and killed for their race. Trump made these claims during a Turning Point USA rally in Phoenix last week Friday. He described the situation as a “horrible thing”. Trump, who…

For years, producers Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan of PD Production have been the architects of our collective real estate envy. Through hit franchises like Listing Jozi and Listing Cape Town, they invited viewers into South Africa’s most opulent corridors. But starting on May 6, the duo is trading floor plans for flight paths with the launch of Hidden Gems: South Africa on BBC Lifestyle. This isn’t your typical travel show about safaris and beaches. It combines the high-quality look of a professional TV production with the fast-paced, real-life feel of social media storytelling. Moving from luxury real estate to travel felt like a natural progression for the team, though the focus has shifted from brick-and-mortar to the soul of a stay. “We’ve been fortunate to work on shows like…

The community of Vaal is grappling with shock and sadness as police investigate the tragic deaths of Lindiwe Yvonne Mngxongo, 39, and her three young children, Kamvelihle, 12, Zalisidinga, 9, and Ziqhamo, 7. The family was discovered unresponsive inside their home in Sonderwater on April 9. Emergency services were alerted to the scene, where they pronounced the mother and her children dead upon arrival. Police spokesperson Nthabiseng Mokhachane revealed that authorities found Mngxongo in her bedroom, while the children were discovered in another room. The harrowing scene included a bucket suspected to contain vomit, which is now a key element of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of their demise. “The circumstances surrounding the deaths are still under investigation, and we urge anyone with information to come forward,” Mokhachane said.…

Emfuleni Local Municipality has opened a criminal case against employees and service providers implicated in a R16 million ‘ghost’ fleet procurement scandal, following mounting political pressure and deepening allegations of corruption and procurement irregularities. The municipality confirmed that Municipal Manager April Ntuli formally lodged the case with the Vanderbijlpark SAPS and has initiated disciplinary action against implicated officials. The move comes after The Star previously exposed serious concerns surrounding the fleet deal, including missing vehicles, questionable payments, and glaring procurement irregularities. The scandal centres on allegations that millions of rand were spent on trucks, graders and bakkies that were either never delivered, became unusable shortly after delivery, or cannot be accounted for. Investigators have also flagged irregular documentation, including invoices signed off as proof of delivery despite missing assets, duplicate…

CITY Deep’s Joburg Market (formerly known as the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market) was opened in September 1974. It houses the country’s most significant Transnet Freight Rail dry port and container terminal. The market, a 65 000-square-metre facility that remains the largest supplier of fruit and vegetables in Africa. According to the City of Joburg, the market currently achieves an annual turnover of approximately R11.3 billion. It serves about 8 000 farmers and attracts between 10 000 and 14 000 buyers daily. | Pictures:…

The Gauteng Department of Health has sounded the alarm after recording 414 confirmed malaria cases and 11 deaths in the first three months of 2026, highlighting a sharp and concerning rise in infections across the province. The figures, covering January to March, already place Gauteng on a troubling trajectory, with fatalities surpassing last year’s total in a fraction of the time. In the whole of 2025, the province recorded 666 cases and seven deaths. The department described the surge as a serious public health concern, warning of a “worrying rise in both malaria infections and fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment to prevent loss of life”. Compared to the same period last year, when 230 cases and just one death were reported, the…

Any generalisation is unfair. It’s often a suspension of reason and an oversimplification of experience in an attempt to establish fact. That makes that ‘fact’ a lie. “The war in Iran is over. We won.” “Everyone in the ANC is corrupt. Don’t vote for them.” “The DA is racist. Don’t vote for them.” All lies. The voting public seeks a trustworthy political leadership that brings integrity and an inspirational political vision, baptised in frankness and honesty, to the work of building a lean, high-functioning State. Political parties, however, seem to be dumbing down on a failed past: government bloatedness, soundbites filled with inane stabs at the opposition, and the tired offering of a single party that will solve all our problems. South Africa’s political future lay within a Government of…

Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith was full of praise for the Lions players who walloped his charges 54-12 at Ellis Park and believes some of them are knocking on the Springboks door. “What makes the Lions so good is that they have Springbok-like players, but they are not Springboks,” Smith said, after their week 15 United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter. “The most valuable players are the guys who are good enough to be Springboks, but they are not Springboks. They make the difference at the club level. “The strength in the Lions is that they have so many good players who are ready to play for South Africa, but they are not playing for South Africa,” the former Springbok reiterated. “Francke Horn is playing very good rugby, Morne van den…

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has made it clear that his side’s recent progress will count for little if they fail to finish the season strongly, particularly with the Soweto Derby fast approaching. Kaze was speaking after Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium – a result that halted their five-match winning streak but did little to derail their broader upward trajectory. Chiefs remain well placed on 46 points after 24 matches, sitting comfortably in third position and within touching distance of securing CAF Confederation Cup football for next season. They hold a seven-point cushion over AmaZulu FC, making the final continental spot theirs to lose. But for Kaze, there is no room for complacency – especially with a high-stakes…

Sharks coach JP Pietersen cut a frustrated figure after his side’s narrow 21-17 defeat to the Ospreys in round 15 of the United Rugby Championship, pointing to a lack of ruthlessness in key moments as the difference in a match they largely controlled. The visitors enjoyed significant territory and possession at the Dunraven Brewery Field in Bridgend and, at times, produced passages of play that underlined their attacking potential. But for Pietersen, the inability to turn pressure into points ultimately proved decisive. “We got a lot of territory and possession and played some great rugby, which was positive to see,” he said. “It showed that we can be good when we stick to the plan. But we were not clinical or ruthless enough when opportunities came.” That failure to convert…

A wave of cautious optimism has followed the postponement of the liquidation hearing of Tongaat Hulett Limited (THL), with stakeholders welcoming the decision while warning that uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on farmers and the broader sugar industry. The Durban High Court last week adjourned the matter to mid-June, granting a temporary reprieve after THL’s business rescue practitioners filed for liquidation in February. The move had been opposed by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd (IDC), and several industry players. The South African Farmers Development Association (Safda) welcomed the court’s decision, saying it offers a critical window to explore a long-term solution. The organisation pointed to Judge Rithy Singh’s remarks, which underscored the far-reaching socio-economic consequences of liquidation. Safda added that…

Energy disruptions triggered by the Middle East war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and its subsequent blockade by the US, has sent shockwaves through global oil markets, forcing countries to scramble for alternative energy supplies. As prices surge and supply chains tighten, the impact has been uneven but widely felt. Several European countries including Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, are grappling with steep increases in electricity and gas prices. Across Africa, countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia face acute shortages and rising import bills they can scarcely afford. South Africa, meanwhile, is contending with the knock-on effect of global inflation, with Brent crude prices surging by as much as 60%, pushing up transport and fertiliser costs and, in turn, fuelling food and fuel price…

My responsibility for being the Statistician-General of South Africa from 2000 to 2017 presented me with a privilege to serve. When confronted by the Census of 1996, I had a faint idea that my father was involved in the Census of Lesotho in 1966. What I remembered quite vividly was the brown Afrikaner Ox that I named Census. Little did I know that at some point posthumously I would get the memoirs of my father – the original census taker in Hermon Lesotho. My late father Kenneth Job Lehohla wrote that on the 18-04-1966 that on the 14th of April Lesotho mounted its first Census of the Population and teachers were deployed to undertake this crucial national effort. He was responsible for counting people in Hermon where he was…

A major metallurgical breakthrough at Southern Palladium’s Bengwenyama project in Limpopo has significantly enhanced the project’s revenue potential, with chrome now expected to emerge as a key contributor alongside platinum group metals (PGMs). The company on Friday announced that recent metallurgical test work indicates that as much as 20% of future revenues from the Bengwenyama PGM project could be derived from chrome, marking a substantial shift from earlier projections where chrome was considered a secondary by-product. The breakthrough comes at a time when mining companies are under increasing pressure to maximise resource value and improve operational efficiency. By elevating chrome to a co-product rather than a by-product, Bengwenyama’s revised outlook could position it as a more resilient and diversified mining operation. Located on the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex,…

Multi-award-winning band Freshlyground have returned with their first album since 2018, with Take Me Home marking a new phase after a seven-year recording break. The eight-track collection sees the group reunite with Grammy-winning producer JB Arthur, who worked on their earlier albums Nomvula and Ma’Cheri. The project reflects a return to their sound while opening space for growth. At the end of 2019, the band reached a pause as lead vocalist Zolani Mahola stepped into a solo path. The future of the group was uncertain, but the connection between members remained. “It soon became clear that we still loved playing together and we missed it,” the band said. They continued to meet and play, reconnecting with the sound that shaped their identity. Audience demand remained strong during this period. “People…

The Madlanga Commission has claimed its first arrest following weeks of investigations and testimonies at the Commission. More arrests are said to follow. Matiphandile Sotheni, was arrested in connection with the killing of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe after his testimony. In addition, a group of 12 senior SAPS officers were arrested over a corruption-linked tender highlighted during the proceedings. Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is set to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court today, following his arrest on Saturday. He is charged with fraud, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice. ActionSA has stepped up its demands for Mkhwanazi’s immediate dismissal from the City of Ekurhuleni. ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo said the city can no longer afford to retain officials facing such…

A 54-year-old man has been arrested after four young girls, aged between seven and nine, were allegedly raped in Manoge village, Seleteng. The incident reportedly took place last week Thursday, between 9am and 11am. According to police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba preliminary investigations, the children had been playing together before visiting the suspect’s home, located a few houses away. It is alleged that the man took two of the children into his house, where he raped them, before later calling in the remaining two children and raped them as well. “After his deeds, he allegedly threatened the victims not to inform their parents about what happened.” Ledwaba revealed that the matter came to light when the grandmother of one of the victims noticed unusual behaviour and questioned the children. They then…

A gas tanker fire forced the full closure of the N12 Highway near the Comaro Road off-ramp in the south of Johannesburg in the early hours yesterday. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that a vehicle collided with a stationary LPG tanker, resulting in a hazardous fire. Sadly, the driver of the light motor vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred on the westbound carriageway shortly before the Comaro Road off-ramp, in the Bassonia area. The blaze quickly escalated due to the volatile nature of the cargo. Emergency services, including firefighting teams, were dispatched to the scene, where they worked to contain and extinguish the fire. Authorities said the situation remained hazardous, with a risk of explosion prompting a full closure of both eastbound and westbound…

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba took his #OperationFixJoburg campaign to the streets of Hillbrow this weekend, promising residents a radical overhaul of the inner city’s housing and economic landscape. Addressing a crowd in Ward 59 on Saturday, the former mayor outlined a vision centred on reclaiming the city from “accelerating collapse”. Mashaba’s pitch to the residents of the inner city was built on a foundation of law and order, job prioritisation for citizens, and a massive property rejuvenation project. A cornerstone of Mashaba’s address was the Inner-City Rejuvenation Plan. He committed to reclaiming more than 600 buildings that have fallen into a state of abandonment or have been “hijacked” by criminal elements. The goal, he explained, is to transform these structures into affordable accommodation for local residents and students, effectively turning…

In a bid to address concerns over its capacities to respond to fire incidents, the City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department intends to enter a mutual aid agreement with neighbouring municipalities across Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West. The collaboration is expected to enhance cross-border cooperation and resource sharing during large-scale fire incidents. The undertaking was made during a two-day winter safety workshop that concluded on Saturday in Pretoria. Stakeholders at the workshop raised concerns about rapid population growth straining existing emergency infrastructure and the lack of adequate fire hydrant systems in certain high-risk areas. Nana Radebe-Kgiba, deputy chief of the department’s Public Information and Liaison Services, said the workshop sought to enhance inter-agency collaboration, improve operational readiness, and promote a proactive approach to mitigating and responding to winter-related fire risks,…

If the Madlanga Commission has revealed anything, it is not simply that South Africa struggles with corruption. That diagnosis is too easy. Corruption is a symptom. The deeper problem is that the state is losing its grip on something much more basic. That thing is a sequence. And when the sequence collapses, governance does not bend. It gives way. At the centre of (Gareth) Mnisi’s testimony sits a question so basic that it should never need to be asked inside a functioning system. What comes first? A quotation, a purchase order, or an invoice? That sounds trivial. It is not. It is a test of whether a system is governing itself or merely documenting what has already happened. In public procurement, sequence is not administration. It is authority. A need…

For Mamelodi Sundowns, reaching the final of the CAF Champions League is more than just another milestone – it is an opportunity for redemption for both the club and key individuals within the squad. Sundowns reached the final after beating Espérance 2-0 on aggregate, following narrow 1-0 wins in Tunis last Sunday and in Pretoria on Saturday night. By reaching the final, Sundowns are eager to make up for lost ground after falling short at the same stage of the competition last season, extending their trophy drought to 10 years. Their triumph 10 years ago was memorable, but for Thapelo Morena, it remains bittersweet. The right wing-back joined the club in August 2016 but missed out on the continental campaign due to registration deadlines, denying him a winners’ medal. That…

Manchester City are breathing down Arsenal’s necks after Erling Haaland’s clinical second-half strike beat the Gunners 2-1 yesterday to land a potentially decisive blow in the English Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola’s men have closed to within three points of the leaders and possess a crucial game in hand, with momentum firmly in their favour as Arsenal’s quest for a first league title in 22-years begins to unravel at the worst possible moment. The psychological weight of the race is telling. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month sparked a dismal run of just one win in six games across all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s men. Victory over relegation-bound Burnley on Wednesday will take City top for the first time this year, and for an Arsenal…

The Springbok Sevens arrived calm and composed, and with a mature display of skill and prowess, secured their first-ever Hong Kong SVNS title yesterday to claim the opening HSBC SVSN World Championship tournament victory. With two more legs to go, the Blitzboks are now in pole position to become the first side to win the revamped regular season and the World Championship in a single campaign, after defeating defending Hong Kong champions Argentina 35-7 in the final. It was arguably the Blitzboks’ most clinical performance in a Cup final as they finally broke a long-standing curse to seal the title. They had come close on several occasions over the years, even when head coach Philip Snyman was still a player, but ended their drought in the tournament’s milestone 50th edition.…